Pontypool mum Caroline Howarth died two days after giving birth to first child

A MUM who died just days after giving birth to her first child has been remembered by friends as an "amazing person".

Caroline Howarth, 24, from Pontypool, was admitted to the pre-natal ward of the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, on May 6, suffering from chest pains caused by a chest infection.

Mrs Howarth was known to suffer from brittle asthma and had history of heart problems, but had recently been cleared of any potential concern over her heart by Bristol Royal Infirmary.

But in the early hours of Thursday morning, she suffered a severe asthma attack that inhibited her breathing and that coupled with an already decreased level of oxygen in her blood, caused her to go into cardiac arrest during an emergency caesarean section to deliver the baby.

Mrs Howarth gave birth to a healthy baby girl, named Hallie-Rose on May 8, weighing 6lbs 11oz but tragically the new mum's heart stopped for an extended amount of time in which she sustained loss of oxygen to the brain and she was placed on life support.

The family decided to allow her to pass away peacefully on May 10, just two days after the birth of her daughter, when four of her major organs were supported by machines and it became apparent that there would be lasting damage to the brain.

Her mother Marilyn Brooks said that her daughter was a determined woman who had overcame her health problems to marry husband Lee and deliver her child.

Speaking through a family relative she said that Mrs Howarth was born with two holes in her heart and was only given a ten percent chance of survival.

But she had managed to overcome this and live a normal life despite suffering from brittle asthma and bouts of pneumonia.

She was also involved in a car accident several years ago which left her with broken bones in her back and a slim chance of being able to walk again.

But against the odds she managed to walk again as she was so determined to be healthy enough to carry a child.

Her mother said: “Even though this has happened Caroline would be over the moon to see that he daughter has had a better start in life than she had herself.”

Mrs Howarth never got to see her child, who is now in the Royal Gwent Hospital and is under the care of her family.

Hundreds of tributes have since been posted in the open Facebook group 'RIP Caroline Howarth,' made by close friend Jasmine Manley, who posted: “Caroline was such and amazing beautiful women I didn't see a page on here so thought I would make one for her.

“Rest in peace babe I know you’re sitting with the angels and gossiping.”

Friend Angeline Hawkes who has known Caroline for 11 years, called her ‘one of the most amazing friends [she] could have had.’ “She was a truly amazing person always smiling and talked how excited she was to meet her baby girl.

“I met her through young carers and we clicked straight away.

“I’m glad I had the pleasure of knowing her for the 11 years, [it is] just really sad that she gone.

Another friend posted: “Can't believe your gone beautiful, we had some awesome times together...brilliant memories to hold on to forever. "

Good friend Emily Rawlings, said: “I have never seen parents so excited about giving birth.

“Even though it is great that the baby has been born and is OK, it is really upsetting because the baby will have to grow up without a mother.

“I have known Caz for around 18 months though her husband Lee, who used to bother with the same people that I used to bother with.

“We became close and she was such an amazing girl. You could see that she had a natural maternal instinct.”

Members of Victory Church in Cwmbran are also mourning the loss of Mrs Howarth who was married in the church.

Rev Richard Taylor said: “She was full of passion and zest and was a loving wife to Lee Howarth.

“She will be deeply missed by the leadership team and the hundreds of people who worship with us at Victory Church.”

Caerleon Town AFC where Mrs Howarth’s husband Lee Howarth, has played for around two years, are now raising funds to support Mr Howarth as he cares for his daughter.

A member of the club Jonathan Tattershall has organised the online donation fund ‘Donations in memory of Caroline Howarth’.

Makes me feel so sick to hear life can be so cruel at times .as a father myself , I can't even begin to imagine how that poor girl's family is feeling . My sincere condolences to the family at this very sad time ...

Makes me feel so sick to hear life can be so cruel at times .as a father myself , I can't even begin to imagine how that poor girl's family is feeling . My sincere condolences to the family at this very sad time ...chelsea1970

Makes me feel so sick to hear life can be so cruel at times .as a father myself , I can't even begin to imagine how that poor girl's family is feeling . My sincere condolences to the family at this very sad time ...

Score: 18

sugar2002ukuk
10:06am Thu 15 May 14

RIP thoughts are with your family.

RIP thoughts are with your family.sugar2002ukuk

RIP thoughts are with your family.

Score: 4

bubbles17
9:29pm Fri 16 May 14

I have just read that the Smile Council, Rob Santwris and 2 Rude are doing a fundraiser night in the Ivy Bush Pub in Newport tomorrow. During and after the FA Cup.
Well done to the football community of Newport getting together to help out so quickly. I look forward to meeting you all tomorrow as I will come down to give my support as I am sure a lot of others will.

I have just read that the Smile Council, Rob Santwris and 2 Rude are doing a fundraiser night in the Ivy Bush Pub in Newport tomorrow. During and after the FA Cup.
Well done to the football community of Newport getting together to help out so quickly. I look forward to meeting you all tomorrow as I will come down to give my support as I am sure a lot of others will.bubbles17

I have just read that the Smile Council, Rob Santwris and 2 Rude are doing a fundraiser night in the Ivy Bush Pub in Newport tomorrow. During and after the FA Cup.
Well done to the football community of Newport getting together to help out so quickly. I look forward to meeting you all tomorrow as I will come down to give my support as I am sure a lot of others will.

Ipsoregulated

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